MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN: THE FIRST BROADCAST (NOVEMBER 11, 1940)

Mandrake the Magician was arguably the first comic strip superhero when he debuted on June 11, 1934.  He soon moved to comic books, Big Little Books, film, and, later, theater, television, and animation.  the Mandrake the Magician radio series lasted February 6, 1942, racking up 195 15-minute episodes.

The show originally aired three times a week on WOR (New York); it later moved to five times a week in 1941.  The program was produced by Harry Souvaine and directed by Carlo de Angelo.  Raymond Edward Johnson, who had served as the host of Inner Sanctum, played the title role.  Johnson has also starred as Mr. District Attorney, and was a staple on many radio soap operas.  Puerto Rican stage and film actor Juano Hernandez played Mandrake's best friend and assistant Lothar, a former African prince.  Hernadez had co-starred in radio's first all-black soap opera, We Love and Learn, and was nominated for a golden Globe for his role in the 1949 film Intruder in the Dust.  The role of Princess Narda, Mandrake's maybe girlfriend (who finally married him in 1997) and princess of the European country Cockaigne, was played first by Jessica Tandy, then by Francesca Lenni.

Mandrake the Magician was played as juvenile fare on the radio.  I hope that will not distract you from enjoying this premiere episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SBq06ke38g